Wednesday September 9th

Dear Neighbors,

 

My name is Annajane Yolken (you are welcome to call me AJ), and I’m running for Providence City Council in Ward 13 in this year’s Democratic primary on Wednesday, September 9. I’ve lived in Providence for almost twenty years, and have called Federal Hill home for the past twelve. I’m writing to introduce myself and share why I’m running to represent this amazing neighborhood.

 

I’ve spent my career working with people facing some of the hardest moments of their lives, and I’ve learned that our community is strongest when we come together with compassion and care for one another. I’m running for City Council to bring that same perspective to local government, where I’ll fight for bold, innovative solutions that make people’s lives better. Together, we can build a neighborhood —  and a city —  that is safe, affordable, and welcoming to everyone who calls it home.

 

For the past decade I’ve worked at the intersections of public health, criminal justice reform, economic justice, and racial equity. Today I help lead a nonprofit that supports thousands of vulnerable Rhode Islanders. I’m proud to have advanced policies that have contributed to lowering our state’s overdose fatality rate by 50% in the past three years.

 

One thing this work has taught me is simple: local leadership matters. 

 

The decisions our City Council makes over the next few years will shape the long-term future of our beloved city. In September’s primary, we have a choice: do we build a Providence that is affordable, equitable, and welcoming — or do we choose to leave our neighbors and friends behind?

 

Growing up in starkly segregated Baltimore showed me early that your neighborhood shapes your opportunities. That understanding led me into public health. Over time, though, I realized that our health, housing, economic security, and safety are shaped by much larger systems around us. With that, I got involved in community organizing for racial justice, ending solitary confinement, and Jewish-Palestinian solidarity.

 

Then, like many who become engaged in legislative efforts, I was moved by tragedy. After a close friend died of an overdose, I watched her family bravely oppose federal prosecutors’ efforts to charge the person who sold her drugs with murder. Her family knew it would not bring justice or healing. When I saw a similar bill introduced in Rhode Island in 2018, I felt I had to do something in my friend’s honor.

 

I received a crash course in Rhode Island politics. I met lawmakers who really wanted solutions but lacked knowledge of evidence-based approaches, and others who were more focused on politics than good policy. I came away with a clear lesson: who sits in these seats matters, and electing thoughtful leaders is part of creating lasting change.

 

Consequently, I co-founded the Substance Use, Policy, Education, and Recovery PAC — cheekily nicknamed the SUPER PAC. Despite our non-super budget, we helped elect leaders committed to compassionate, evidence-based substance use policy. Together, we reclassified drug possession from a felony to a misdemeanor, reducing barriers to housing and employment, and passed the nation’s first law authorizing overdose prevention centers — despite people telling us, “Rhode Island doesn't like to be first.”

 

For the past six years, I've worked at Project Weber/RENEW, a peer-led organization serving more than 7,000 Rhode Islanders each year experiencing homelessness, housing instability, and poverty. That work gives me a firsthand understanding of the challenges many Providence residents face, especially around housing affordability, barriers to services, and failures of the criminal legal system. We also operate the nation’s only state-sanctioned overdose prevention center, made possible through organizing and strong partnerships with the city, state, and our local neighbors.

 

At Project Weber/RENEW, we talk about “radical hospitality” and the belief that everyone deserves dignity, respect, and care. My work in a field that is often misunderstood and stigmatized has meant that we go above and beyond to listen to concerns, respond quickly, be transparent, and follow through, because trust can only be earned through action.

 

That’s the spirit of care and integrity I will bring to City Hall to represent this Ward.

 

Federal Hill, the West End, and the Valley Arts District are incredible neighborhoods.  From bumping into people at Seven Stars, to mobilizing when ICE tries to kidnap one of our neighbors, to digging ourselves out of a blizzard, this is a special place.

 

But many of us are worried about rising housing costs, the rapid changes happening in our neighborhood, and the need for stronger investment in our public schools and city services. All of this is unfolding against the backdrop of a federal government that runs on cruelty and hatred.

 

In moments like this, local government matters more than ever. One of the advantages of being a small city in a small state is that we can do big things. I’ve seen firsthand how Providence can lead when we choose to act boldly and put people first.

 

I love this neighborhood and believe it deserves thoughtful, responsive representation. I'll work every day for effective rent stabilization, fully funded public schools, safer streets for pedestrians and cyclists, racial and immigrant justice, and a Providence where longtime residents and new neighbors alike can thrive. 

 

I am deeply grateful for the strong progressive leadership of our Ward’s outgoing City Council President Rachel Miller, and I'm proud to have her support in this race.

 

I love talking with neighbors, so please reach out at 401-680-0445. I look forward to hearing what matters to you and earning your vote in the primary on September 9th.

 

With gratitude,

 

Annajane “AJ” Yolken